Baby Shower with the best looking toes in town!

On Saturday, July 28th, my older sister Jamie through me a Baby Shower at my church for my side of the family. I was wonderful! About 30 people were in attendance. However, before I could attend the shower, according to Debbie I had to have cute looking toes. So, Debbie and I ventured off to the nail saloon and had pedicures, but I did not stop there I also had a manicure done. Why go in for one and not the other? Right. I chose to have a bright pink color polished on and I tried to convince Debbie to be daring to be bold, but she would not go for it. She kept stating, "Grandma's can't do that!" She cracks me up. No matter what I said to her to convince her, she came up with an excuse. Someday, I will get her to be daring, someday.


If you were not invited to this shower, please do not worry Brent's mother, Debbie, is planning on throwing a Baby Shower in October after the baby is finally here for those on Brent's side of the family. My then we will obviously know if the baby is a boy or girl and the guest of honor will/should be in attendance. Yeah! That is if you can pry Debbie's hot hands off of him or her.


I got lots of nice things at the shower ranging from diapers to a jogging stroller. I have decided to take up a new hobby and start jogging after the baby is born, well maybe just walking with my new stroller. Ok, probably just staring at the stroller for a while. My goal is to work off all of the baby weight before summer, so the wheels on that thing will probably be none existent by then, at least I hope. This would mean that I am exercising. All of the items are wonderful and I am so grateful! Thank you to all for the wonderful gifts, we all enjoy them and appreciate it.

Signing with our Baby!

Brent and I have had a long discussion about what we would like to teach our child and how to handle different situations that we will encounter as we raise our child into a responsible well educated person. After discussing numerous things, we decided that we are going to teach our child how to do sign language, aka baby sign language as they call it. Baby sign language became popular after the film, Meet the Fockers, came out. In the movie, the little grandson does sign language. Sign language is now considered to be a foreign language, isn't that neat. Baby sign language is first introduced to your child around the 6 to 7 month age. However, there are different questions you must answer yes to before your child can and will be successful at signing. On our weekend getaway, Brent and I purchased a baby sign language book to see how it is done and when to teach the signs. The first sign that you teach your little one is "more." You use sign language with spoken language at the same time. You first master a sign before introducing a new sign.

We have been reading in our book daily and are really excited about teaching our child this foreign language of signing, also we learn sign language also.

Doctor Day!

Our 2-week doctor visit count downs have officially begun. I am attending the doctors every 2-weeks to monitor the baby and get ready for birth. I have gained a little bit of weight, as usual when I attend the doctors. The babies head is facing down and has a very strong heartbeat. Everything is normal and going as it should be. I am starting to retain water. My fingers, face, and ankles are beginning to swell up a little bit. The doctor confirmed that it is water. He suggested staying off of my feet as much as possible, eating salty food in moderation, and drinking lots of water. Good thing that I only have 4 more days left working at the bank. After I leave the bank I can but my feet up a lot more.

Next doctors visit, in 2 short weeks.

Happy Anniversary to Me!

On Sunday, I had special flowers made at the church for Brent and I's one year wedding anniversary. Aren't they beautiful? It is hard to believe that within the next month and a half we will be having our first child. Brent and I are so excited that words can not express it. We are so happy! Our lives could not get any better, ok well when our baby is finally here it will be better.

A Home Away from Home!

The fireplace was gorgeous. It was even on a timer.

On Sunday night, we stayed at a Stoney Creek Inn located in Moline, while up in the Quad Cities for the weekend. Sunday was our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! It is hard to believe that Brent and I have been happily married for an entire year already. Where has the time gone? Our room was HUGE! It overlooked the Mississippi River and a newly build park called Bass Street Landing. Staying at this hotel made so want to get my log cabin furniture that I have always wanted, but they have a pretty good price tag. So this room was like my future home away from home. Maybe someday....Probably not, but I could wish.


In room bar...wouldn't this be nice in our house?


Living room of our hotel room.


King size bed with a nice large tub. It was just perfect for me to squeeze my large self into being 32 weeks pregnant. However, let me state that getting out of this nice large tub was not as easy as one would think. No, it was really really hard.

A Weekend Get Away!

Every once and a while one needs to just get away...whether it be for a long or short amount of time. Brent and I ventured up to the Quad Cities for the weekend just to simply get away. It was wonderful! We gambled on the river boats, shopped in the malls, saw Ron Feingold do stand up comedy, and just simply enjoyed being away from all the Hubb-Bubb of our normal lives and the phone ringing.

Brent and I gambled on both river boat, but we have to say that we like the Isle of Capri better than Rhythm City. I had never gambled before so this was a new experience for me. Yes, I said I had never gambled before in all of my 23 1/2 years of life. I just simply could not see throwing away my money down the toilet to come out broke. However, I won on the boat. Not much but enough for me. We ended up coming up down $.5o for the gambling on the trip.

The picture above is kind of blurry, but it is a picture from our hotel, Radisson, on Saturday night. The hotel overlooked the Mississippi River and was wonderful!

Got Boobie???!!!!

Tonight, Brent and I ventured to our very first Breastfeeding class. Yes, Brent went with me like a very supportive husband that he is to a Breastfeeding class. We learned a lot of very important information that will help us as the baby grows in our loving arms. Only a month and a half to go before the baby is finally here. Brent even learned what he can do to help with the feeding process, which I think makes him feel a little better.

Did you know that researchers state that is you Breastfeed your child their IQ will be higher? Isn't that weird??!!! According to Brent, our baby is going to then have the highest IQ possible. He is so funny!

Now all we need is a cute little onesie that states "Got Boobie!" instead of "Got Milk!" I crack myself up.

Got to love the Rain!

I have to be one to say that I absolutely HATE rain, well most of the time. Stuck inside with nothing to do, but clean or sleep. We all need a little extra sleep every once in a while. Well, I guess I should say on my day off of work I hate rain. I would rather it rain when I am working then when I am off and can enjoy the outdoors. This year we really needed the rain and let me be the first to tell you that our flowers did also. I love looking at beautiful flowers and have to have a very colorful yard.

Black Eye Susan

Red Hot Poker - Isn't this beautiful??!!

A little better look at the Red Hot Poker flowers.

How Cute!!

How cute is this little bath robe?!!!! I absolutely adore this cute little thing. The "Baby's" Aunt Kasey thought it was to cute and could not pass it up in the store. And so it begins. This little child of ours is going to be spoiled not only from others, but Brent and I also.

When I showed Brent this little gift, a large smile came across his face and he got really excited. We can not wait until our little one joins us in the world. We are ready to give lots of hugs, kisses, and of course begin the process of SPOILING our baby rotten.

We have diapers!

On Saturday, our Diaper Party was a success. We hosted a party where we supplied the beer, soda, and food, while guests brought with them a Baby Shower gift of diapers. We had an excellent turn out and had lots of fun. We got diapers in a variety of different sizes ranging from Newborn to size 5. All of them will be used guaranteed. They say the average baby used 90 per week. Now, that is a lot of diapers.

Brent, "Baby" Parker, and I would like to thank all who attended and brought diapers. It is so nice to have friends and family like all of you. May god bless all of you!

I know all of you are wondering about any embarrassing stories from the party. Well, I hate to be the barrier of bad news, but Grandpa-to-be Terry did not go to bed early at this party. Nope, he was up to the end being good. I bet Grandma-to-be Debbie must have given him a warning first or he was scared that if he did crash early I was going to post pictures on the Internet as promised. While, Daddy-to-be Brent was getting to be like his dear dad at that party. He was a lot intoxicated. But I have to hand it him when I stated he needed to start drinking some water and eat, he actually listened. I guess he did not want to sleep in the spare bedroom or something. The last time we entertained, Brent got really drunk and you will have to ask him what came out of that one. It will crack you up!

We, well I should say Brent and the guests because I can not drink, drank through the small keg and 3 cases of beer. Plus, some of the guests brought their own and was drinking that, so you can say they where hammering them back. But no one got sick, at least not that I know of.

How am I going to be able to do this???

Little Miss Halle had a vet appointment today to finish getting all of her shots. Last week, my dad took her to her appointment and with her being only 5 little pounds only allowed them to give her 1 out of the 3 shots needed. We had a dog years ago named Taffy, who we believe died from overloading her system with medication from the shots. She was old, but that doesn't matter she was our little baby for 17 years. She was a Yorkie-Poo, half Yorkie and half poodle.

So let me tell you why I titled this post "How am I going to be able to do this?" We had a wonderful ride into Bartonville to the vet office with Halle sitting on my lap looking out the window like usual. She loves to ride in the car. However, as we were getting closer to the vets office she started to shake. She knew what was going to happen and she didn't like it one bit. She started crying and did not want me to put her down. As we went into the room to get her 2 shots which turned into 4 because they were able to give her meds for the pain and discomfort. She looked at me with a sad face and cried. She would not sit still and wanted me to hold her that she kept moving and they had to keep sticking her. I knew she was mad at me. I could not take her sad face and crying. I felt like the worst mom ever to let them do that to her. But then as I think about I hate needles also.

This is one fear I have to get over and quick. What am I going to do when my little bundle of joy has to get shots and cries. Let me think....I will cry too!

Halle was spoiled the rest of the day and got lots of attention and cuddles. Whatever she wanted to make her feel better is what I gave her.

Prunes or Squash???

Crying because mommy is not feeding him his favorite prunes fast enough. How cute!

Do you like prunes or squash? For little mister Jacob, both. When it comes time to eat he is one big eating machine. He eats both a fruit and vegetable. Lets just say prunes are so far this guys favorite. Well that is besides his homemade mommy milk.

He cracks me up. You place a spoon up by his mouth and he opens wide. We just love our little nephew!

Got to love the Country!

Tonight, was one of our typical boring Friday nights as an official old married couple. Brent got home from work late and I did not feel like making supper, so off to Gil's to pick up a to-go order. We LOVE Gil's. Brent and I both got our usual menu items. I was busy catching up on the 15 tons of laundry that I have been putting off all week, so I sent Brent to pick it up. I went outside for just a minute when he was gone to place an empty 5 gallon water bottle on the porch for Brent to turn in tomorrow when something caught my eye. When I looked down at the dam this large doe (female deer) was standing on the dam looking straight up at me and the dog. She just really did not care that we were there and then carried on eating leaves off of the weeds or little trees on the dam. It was beautiful. Funny thing is this is what Brent lives for out here and he was gone! Brent was very upset when I told him when he returned, but we also had that same fox return for a short visit tonight so Brent was happy about that.

Bloody Nose

After 23 1/2 years of life with relatively no health issues, I experienced my very first nose bleed today. Why? Beats me??!! I was on my way to work today, when all of a sudden I thought my nose was running for some ungodly reason. I went to wipe my nose when I realized it was not snot (yuck, I know) it was blood. I hurried up and tried to find a napkin or something to keep from getting it all over. Lucky me that I had one!

Let me be the first to tell you how hard it is to drive a car with your head tilted slightly back with your hand covering your nose. I bet the cars passing me were laughing. I was running a little later than usual on my way to work, so I could not pull over until it stopped.

This is one experience I will never forget. Nose bleeds stink!

And the countdown begins!

Today, is yet another doctor day! Yeah! I just love doctor day. We get to see how our little bundle of joy is doing and that just makes Brent and I so happy. On the way to the doctors office we always bet on how much this "rather large and in charge" lady will weigh in at today's visit. It is one of the highlights of the visit to see is closest the the actual weight. This month I did not weigh in as much as I have been, but thank goodness because I am getting rather large. Just look at today's photo of my large self and you can see what I mean. Well, I guess I can lay off of the ice cream everyday, but it tastes SO GOOD! And I really think the baby needs it to stay cool in the summer heat...RIGHT???!!!

Well, the countdown to baby is officially started. Starting today, we now visit the doctors every 2 weeks instead of every 4 weeks. This ultimately means that we are in the home stretch. Eight more weeks until the baby arrives, can you believe it! Already! Man, where has the time gone. Let me be the first to say that I personally do not believe that I will last the full 8 weeks, but I could be wrong.

I have been having some slit discomfort, lets just say that we are not going to go into any details on the matter. You know it is rather personal if you know what I mean. I was really worried about the response the doctor was going to give me on the issues, but all is well. I had read some things online and I was stressing myself out on what the issues were, but everything is OK! What a relief! I could hardly sleep last night wondering what the doctor was going to tell me today, but everything is normal. HUH! What a sigh of relief.

I have officially turned in my notice at the bank and my last day will be July 31st. Man, is that also getting close. Brent and I just decided that it was best to leave then. That way I can relax and do some things that I really want to do around the house before the baby is actually here. Such as do some house cleaning and preparing for the baby. But, we all know I am going to end up sleeping in every morning and getting some much needed sun in the afternoon. So, when the baby comes and my house is a mess that is probably way, because I slacked off for a few weeks.

It is hard to believe that the summer is almost over. Which this year makes me both sad and happy. Sad because I LOVE warm weather. Summer is my favorite season, where on the other hand happy because this year when summer is gone the baby will be here. So I guess it is a give and take kind of year.

If you plant it...it will grow

Living out in the country has all of its perks. We have enjoyed a garden last year that did really well and this year is also doing great also. Brent and I have been slacking off a little by letting the weeds take over, so you could say we have an excellent weed garden. But when you have a large garden sometimes you just can not help it. This year we tried some new things in the garden. The onions did not come up at all and the lettuce was kind of spotty, but the rest is going EXCELLENT! I decided last year that this year was going to be the year for Salsa. I did red raspberry jam last year and this year was going to be jam and salsa, however with the late frost my raspberry plants did not do well at all, so I guess I am just going to stick to Salsa. I decided that next year I am going to make homemade pickles. Trying something new each year! Yeah! I have become one country girl alright.

I have so many tomatoes on my 3 plants that I will be making a crap load of Salsa and eating tons of BLT's. Thank goodness I love BLT's. Tonight, I decided it was time to quit slacking and to the garden to pick what was ready. It took me forever! I picked 19 CUCUMBERS! Yes, 19. There were some rather large ones, including one that measured to be 9 1/2 inches long! Is that a record??? It is for me at least.

As they say, or something like this, "If you plant it....it will grow." Ok, the real line is "if you build it they will come," but I like mine better.

Bubble sleeping

Brent is going to make a very fun father in my opinion. He loves being around young children, especially our nephew Jacob who is 7 months old. He just seems to lighten up when he is around them, constantly entertaining them however he can. For instance, at the July 4th party he showed the young ones how to let off fireworks.

Well last night, he showed off of the young ones who spent the night with their favorite cousin! Yes, it is me! Brent built them a bubble to sleep in made with bed sheets and a fan. They loved it.

Breaking in Brent...

This week I had family in town from Texas (Aunt, Uncle, and 3 cousins). They only come into town once a year, so when they come we are always entertaining. There is nothing better than family.

Brent and I enjoyed an evening with 2 of the young cousins. They are ages 7 and 9 years old, Samuel and Audrey. They are so easy to entertain and are good children. We ventured to the grocery store to pick up a few items and then for ice cream. Man, do I LOVE ice cream and so do they. Man, is our family alike. When we got home Brent and Samuel went frogging in the pond and Audrey and I took a little rest in the hammock. Samuel was having a blast trying to catch a frog. He would throw that net and they would jump before he could catch them. However, one time he got lucky and caught a small frog. Our pond has what seems like millions of frogs large and small and schools of tadpoles. Man, if only I loved frog legs I would be in "frog heaven."


Brent is practicing his parental skills, as Samuel and him go frogging in the pond.


Here froggy froggy!


Brent loved having a little boy around to do manly things with. Besides frogging, they played in the barn. Brent was in hog heaven.


The winning catch...it may be little but he LOVED catching it.

What is up with the crappy weather?

Why does it always become crappy outside on my days off? It seems as if everyday that I can enjoy some needed sun it is crappy outside. For instance, today it is bright sunny and a perfect sun day. I got up early and cleaned the in-laws that way I could enjoy the sun for the day. I had all my work done my 11 AM came home put on my swimming suit and....RAIN! In the middle of placing on my suit, I could hear something outside. I looked out the window and it was pouring. I really hope that it quits soon that way I can enjoy the rest of the day.

No fireworks for this mom-to-be...

Well, I assume that most of you all enjoyed some sort of firework display last night. Lucky you! This mom-to-be has one big party pooper of a husband who decided that he did not want to view any fireworks this year and wanted to stay at home. We had a few invites but turned them down due to the massive crowd expected at their sites of viewing. I still thought that we were going to view some locally, however that did not happen. Instead, at 8 PM when he told me we were not going he went to bed and I only got to view some on tv. It was good, but it is not like seeing them up close and personal. Lets just say...I married a old party pooper!

This will not happen next year...I can guarantee it!

Pre-4th of July festivities

The 4th of July is just around the bend and most people this year are doing a little celebrating a little early. Well, who could blame them when it falls on a Wednesday this year. This is the only day most people have off, so we ventured to a gathering on the 3rd this year. Way to change it up a bit! By doing this, it gives the drinker such as the soon-to-be-grandpa Terry some restful sleeping the next day.

Ok, so lets get to the festivities and the good part I know all of you are dying to hear about. So, yes the soon-to-be-grandpa Terry hosted a gathering last night. All was well and the beer was flowing for those that could drink. Yes, poor me with the young children were the ones not included in the drinking festivities. I stuck to my water. While the young ones chose their drink of choice, MOUNTAIN DEW. I feel sorry for those parents, especially if they were drinking. The children were wired on caffeine.

Brent being to pyro that he is provided the entertainment for the children. Fireworks! Brent was having a ball with the kids and they kids just loved it. I guess you can say that he is getting in some needed practice for when our little one arrives in just a little over 2 MONTHS! Man where has the time gone. Ok, so what do you get when you have 1 drunk or I guess I should say feeling it man + fireworks = ? A burn. Yes, Brent burned himself showing off for the young ones. It is not a huge burn or anything just a little one on his finger from a spark or something who knows.

Besides fireworks, we had plenty of entertainment and food. Man, did we have food. I think I am still full today. Debbie and I mopped the floor with the Grandma's. Sorry! We beat them in Hillbilly Golf and Bags. There is just no denying that we are younger and better sorry. It stinks getting old, doesn't it. Well, I classify myself in that getting old category now. I am in my mid-20's, married with a baby on the way, and graduated from college. Yep, I am officially getting old myself.

Ok, so now for the really good part. Our perky host, soon-to-be-grandpa Terry entertained us with a mini keg of beer. He must have been trying to say in toon with the young folk, but he did not do very well. He was getting a little rowdy and we all knew before to long he would be in for. Well, before long came really fast. About 9 PM people started to wonder where he had gone. He had been missing in action for about 30 minutes now. Come to find out that he had quietly put himself to bed. Yes, BED! If only I was able to take a picture of this. Like they say a picture says a thousand words. Well this old man did not put a damper on our parade, heck no. The festivities continued without him and we just laughed about the drunk old man in bed all night long. I believe the last person left around 1 AM. So much for being a good host, huh! Thank goodness Debbie was still in the party mode and not in bed herself.

So here is a little piece of advice to all that going to a gathering at their house, bring your CAMERA the old man will be out in no time and pictures are great for blackmailing him in the future.

Watch out Halle...we have FOXES!

Brent and I were just minding our own business sitting on the deck enjoying the cool evening weather like we de everynight, when on Sunday night, up across the dam of the pond came a fox. Yes, a fox.

Brent is crazy about foxes. He thinks they are just so neat. So of course we had to get close enough to get some good pictures to post online for all of you to see. So, Brent inched up as close as he could to get some photos. He would not allow me off the deck stating, "You are pregnant if it chases after you, you are screwed you know you can't run." How nice is that, it isn't but at least he is worried about the welfare of his unborn child.

This is the second fox that I have seen at out house within the last few days. Who knows if this is the same fox, but it could be likely that it is.




Fox is standing on the dam of the pond. Photo is taken from the back porch.



After the fox enjoyed some mulberries for the tree, he or she ventured back towards the dam.